England Women suffered a seven-wicket loss to Australia in the second Twenty20 international in Melbourne.

With the Ashes already secured, two days ago in Hobart, Charlotte Edwards' injury-depleted side produced a tired display.

After being sent in they managed 98 for six with Edwards' 28 at the top of the innings the highest score.

Australia coasted to victory from 15.1 overs with Meg Lanning (42) and Alyssa Healy (37 not out) combining in a match-winning 69-run stand.

England took an unassailable lead in the multi-format series following their nine-wicket win in the first Twenty20 in Hobart.

Australia's success at the MCG reduced the series score to 10-6 with two points left to play for the in final Twenty20 in Sydney on Sunday.

Natasha Farrant, Jenny Gunn, Heather Knight and Anya Shrubsole were all ruled out through injury before the game and England were in early trouble when Holly Ferling bowled Dani Wyatt and Sarah Taylor.

England never got going thereafter with Edwards caught and bowled by Erin Osborne.

Arran Brindle added an unbeaten 26 from 26 balls late on, but a total below 100 never appeared enough.

That proved to be the case as Healy and Lanning took Australia to the brink of victory.

Georgia Elwiss had Lanning well caught in the deep five short of victory, before Brindle bowled Jess Cameron in the next over.